Island Health Supports Pride Month

On behalf of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

​​June marks Pride Month across Canada: a time to recognize the rich history of queer advocacy and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other sexual orientations and gender identities—in all its diversity. What began in the 1970s as a grassroots protest for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, has grown into a national movement for visibility, inclusion and equity. 

Pride Events

This year we are expanding our participation in Pride and invite you to join Island Health at a local celebration event where we'll connect, celebrate and stand together:

In Courtenay, Nanaimo, Salt Spring and Victoria, Island Health team members will walk alongside an Island Health vehicle decorated by our dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group. 

At select events, look for the medi-tents where you will find Population and Public Health Nurses who can share information on health services, vaccinations, and sexual and reproductive health.  

Pride coordinator and Employee Resource Group (ERG) member Shayla Feniuk (she/her) had this to share about her experience coordinating and supporting Pride: 

“This is my third year participating in Pride events with Island Health, and each year I’m grateful to witness the growing sense of camaraderie between spectators and Island Health participants. That energy is inspiring—it motivates us to expand our involvement year after year, and I can personally attest to that momentum. 

In 2024, Island Health joined Victoria’s Pride Parade. Last year in 2025, we took part in three parades and a festival. This year, our presence is growing even further, with additional parades and new collaborations with Population and Public Health in the booths at several festivals. 

Pride is about celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ staff across Island Health, and it’s also about Island Health staff showing meaningful allyship by standing proudly alongside these incredible individuals. We’d love to see you there—loud and proud!” ​

Island Health Pride T-Shirts

Celebrate diversity, inclusion and the power of being yourself with Island Health's Pride t-shirt. Whether you're marching in a parade, working a shift, or cheering from the sidelines, wear our colours with pride and let local communities know who we are. 

Get your Pride tee today by visiting the Island Health Store. Shipping is an estimated 2-3 weeks. ​

Rainbow Lanyards

Another way to demonstrate your support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is by wearing an Island Health Rainbow Pride Lanyard. 

To receive a lanyard you must review the information and take the training outlined under the 2SLGBTQIA+​ learning tab. Once completed, confirm with DEI team at DEI@islandhealth.ca and provide your name, inter-office mailing address and the number of lanyards for you and or your team. For members of community, your name and address are all that are needed. Lanyards are shipped quarterly via interoffice mail.

Remember—When you are wearing a lanyard, you are signalling safety and, at bare minimum, that you have taken the training and have committed to continuous learning as an active ally. Wear your lanyards with Pride and remember the significance and meaning it holds for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

This Pride season, we gather to recognize the advocacy and strength of Island Health 2SLGBTQIA+ team members and the wider community. Across the country, and across Island Health, we recognize how far we've come and the work still ahead.

For more education, resources and supports employees can visit the 2SLGBTQIA+​ found under the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion landing page.  ​​